Arrests Made in Robbery, Assault That Left Man Lying on Subway Tracks

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia and SEPTA police say they have arrested two people believed to be responsible for a violent attack and robbery at a subway station that caused the victim to fall into the track area. Charges are expected to be announced Friday.

The incident occurred as a SEPTA train pulled into the Millbourne station early one Sunday morning. Two alleged robbers, now identified as a man and woman, made their move on the sleeping passenger.

They snatched his bag and ran off the train, according to authorities.

SEPTA says the victim woke up and began to chase the suspects. The two suspects hit the platform and tried to escape with the victim in close pursuit. He caught them and struggled with the suspects, according to the video.

The video shows the female suspect tasing the victim. It looks like twice in the back, when she allegedly hits him in the shoulder, which causes him to do a somersault into the track area.

The suspects took off leaving the victim dazed on the tracks below, when he came too, he stumbled and literally fell on the electrified third rail. He stayed there for 90 seconds.

“We are just absolutely so lucky that he was not electrocuted,” said Williams.

SEPTA officials believe a covering on the third rail may have saved the victim's life. Fortunately, no other trains approached the station as the victim climb from the tracks.

“He was taken to the hospital for observation. He has non-life threatening injuries.He's a very, very lucky man,” Williams explained.